The Southern Ute Drum staff traveled to Phoenix, Ariz. for the 2022 National Native Media Conference hosted by the Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) Thursday, Aug. 25 to Sunday, Aug. 28. Collectively the team won nine NAJA awards for their exemplary work in print media and photography — including awards recognizing the newspaper for General Excellence and Best Print/Digital Publication.

Southern Ute Drum Graphic Specialist, Robert Ortiz proudly shows off his well-earned awards for his design layout as well as his photography, following the awards banquet held on Saturday, Aug. 27, attendees gathered for photos with their respective awards.

KSUT Tribal Radio and Southern Ute Drum staff enjoyed their time at the 2022 National Native Media Conference hosted by NAJA, during the trip staff engaged in workshops to improve journalism skills and photography skills, practiced networking, and received recognition for their journalistic accomplishments in 2021.

Photo Credit: Divine Windy Boy | SU Drum